Nestled amidst the swirling mists of a forgotten island, a young witch named Mika embarks on a whimsical adventure in Mika and the Witch’s Mountain. As an aspiring practitioner of the arcane arts, Mika hones her craft by undertaking an unusual task: delivering packages to the scattered inhabitants of her island home. But beneath the surface of this seemingly mundane chore lies a world brimming with hidden secrets and enchanting lore, waiting to be unravelled. Is Mika and the Witch’s Mountain a spellbinding experience, or will the rabbit fail to be pulled from the hat?
Unveiling the Mysteries
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain opens with a short cutscene showing how Mika got into the delivery business. Mika wants to become a witch, and takes up training on a mountain with a witch. However, her tutor has a somewhat harsh method of teaching. In order to teach Mika how to fly her broom, the witch decides to push the titular character off of the top of the mountain.
Once Mika lands at the bottom of the mountain, thankfully unharmed, the game begins. From here, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain unfolds at a leisurely pace, inviting players to embrace the tranquillity of island life. Exploration forms the cornerstone of the gameplay, as Mika traverses diverse environments, from quaint villages nestled amidst rolling hills to dense forests teeming with fantastical creatures. While navigating these charming landscapes, players will encounter a cast of quirky characters, each with their own unique stories and requests.
Fulfilling these requests forms the core gameplay loop. Deliveries often involve gathering ingredients or solving environmental puzzles, imbuing a delightful sense of accomplishment with each completed task. The game masterfully weaves these seemingly simple errands into the narrative, fostering a connection between Mika, the townsfolk, and the island itself.
As Mika progresses on her deliveries, she encounters remnants of a forgotten past, hinting at a deeper mystery veiled within the island’s history. The narrative unfolds organically through conversations with villagers and environmental storytelling, piecing together a captivating tale that is both heart-warming and intriguing.
Mastering the Craft
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain adopts a relaxed approach to its mechanics, prioritising exploration and atmosphere over complex systems.
One of the most commonly-used mechanics will be the use of Mika’s broom to fly around. At first, flight feels smooth yet awkward, but this quickly gets better as the controls become much easier once you get the hang of it. Aside from that, flight controls generally feel intuitive and responsive, allowing players to soar effortlessly through the skies on Mika’s trusty broom. Stopping and/or dismounting Mika’s broom takes some getting used to, but it doesn’t cause any major problems.
The mail delivery mechanic is also well-implemented and very forgiving. Each delivery that Mika has to complete has a set of criteria set against it, such as there being a time limit or not getting the package wet. However, I often found that a swift-yet-accidental dip into the ocean when delivering a “keep-dry” package on my broom didn’t cost me a penalty of any sort, so the rules appear to be implemented loosely (which is a good thing)!
A World of Enchantment
The world of Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is brought to life with a captivating art style that blends soft pastels with vibrant splashes of colour. Environments are meticulously crafted, brimming with personality and charm. From the quaint architecture of the villages to the lush greenery of the forests, to the adorable inhabitants, every corner of the island is a visual treat. (There is even a dog who comes up to Mika for tummy rubs!)
The game’s soundtrack further complements the enchanting atmosphere. The gentle melodies perfectly capture the serenity of island life, punctuated by whimsical tunes during deliveries and exploration. The sound design is equally impressive, with ambient sound effects that immerse players in the world and bring the environments to life.
A Return to the Island
While Mika and the Witch’s Mountain offers a focused narrative experience, the world itself holds a certain degree of replay value. Exploration enthusiasts will find joy in uncovering every nook and cranny of the island, while completionists can strive to fulfil every villager’s request and collect all the hidden secrets scattered throughout the world. The game’s charming atmosphere and relaxing gameplay also make it an ideal title to revisit for a dose of tranquillity whenever needed.
Conclusion
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain casts a spellbinding enchantment, inviting players to embrace the simple joys of exploration and discovery. With its captivating story, delightful characters, and enchanting world, the game offers a refreshing escape into a world of whimsical fantasy. While currently in Early Access, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain shows immense promise, and is a title that is sure to capture the hearts of all who embark on a delivery quest alongside Mika.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Captivating story unfolds organically through exploration and deliveries.
- Relaxing and atmospheric gameplay loop.
- Beautiful and vibrant art style with charming environments.
- Delightful soundtrack that complements the world perfectly.
- Focus on exploration and discovery fosters a sense of wonder.
- There is a dog who wants tummy rubs!
Cons
- Currently in Early Access, so may contain bugs or incomplete features.
- Lacks complex combat or challenge for players seeking a more action-oriented experience.
